Welsh Hillside Home

  • Prize
    Winner in Architectural Design - Residential
  • Company/Firm
    Vale Consultancy (S.Eng), RPA (QS), WSP (M+E)
  • Lead Designer
    James Stroud
  • Architect
    Loyn + Co
  • Photo Credit
    Charles Hosea
  • Location
    Swansea, Wales, UK
  • Client
    Confidential
  • Project Date
    December 2020

Built into a rugged hillside overlooking the extensive natural coastline in South Wales, the innovative new-build family home is progressive in design and sympathetic to its rural surroundings. The home sits beneath towering pine trees, making extensive use of Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable wood, for its façade. Locally sourced Gwrhyd Pennant Stone is also used on exposed walls to blend naturally into the remote landscape.

The design brief for the new home was to embrace the beautiful sea views, whilst also prioritising the contextual importance of the site and its topography. A flexible approach to the relatively narrow plot meant that space was cleverly used, and the presence of natural light was maximised across the three levels.

The dwelling is partially cut into the site and carefully designed to create a central atrium planted with specimen trees providing a winter garden for the homeowners, who are keen gardeners. The build demonstrates an architectural focus on eco-friendliness, which is becoming increasingly popular for architectural projects. The result is a striking, sustainable residential build which considers its natural surroundings.